Plant Manager - Commercial Vehicle Braking Products

Join MAT HD, a leading company in making heavy braking parts for different markets. We specialize in brake parts for commercial vehicles. We work with distributors, fleet owners, and OEMs to give the best solutions. We are proud to make high-quality brake shoes, new brake kits, and lined shoes for trucks and buses. If you want a challenging role in a company that values quality and innovation, MAT HD could be right for you!

MAT HD, LLC is a proud member of MAT Holdings Inc., a family of companies and products providing employment opportunities with more than 14,000 employees in 12 countries. Founded in 1984, MAT Holdings, Inc. is a privately held $2.2 billion multi-national company with manufacturing operations, distribution centers, and sourcing offices worldwide in the automotive, fencing, hardware, and power equipment sectors. Headquartered in Long Grove, Illinois, we have over 40 factories on three continents, including 2.1 million square feet of U.S. distribution and manufacturing space.

The Plant Manager is responsible for the full operational performance of the Dallas remanufacturing facility. This role leads all direct and indirect labor supporting the production process - including Production, Materials Planning, Production Planning, Quality, Maintenance, Tooling, Industrial Engineering, Shipping, and Warehouse Operations.

The Plant Manager ensures the effective conversion of raw materials into finished goods while consistently achieving MAT HD's core operational objectives: Safety, Quality, Delivery, Cost, and People Development (SQDCP). Success requires disciplined daily management, adherence to SAP routings and labor standards, strong Lean leadership, and a culture of accountability, engagement, and continuous improvement.

Principle Responsibilities

Leadership & Operational Direction

• Lead all plant operations to ensure safe, efficient, and profitable manufacturing performance.
• Manage both direct labor and indirect labor functions (Materials, Planning, Quality, Maintenance, Tooling, Industrial Engineering) that support the production process.
• Align plant leadership around daily, weekly, and monthly operational goals and expectations.

Safety

• Build and sustain a culture of safety through training, audits, and daily reinforcement.
• Ensure compliance with all environmental, health, and safety regulations.
• Promote 5S and workplace organization as foundational elements of safe operations.

Quality

• Deliver products that meet customer and internal specifications.
• Improve First Pass Yield, First Time Right, scrap, and defect performance.
• Ensure Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), work instructions, and visual controls are posted, followed, audited, and updated at every workstation.
• Lead structured problem‑solving using 5‑Why, fishbone analysis, root cause identification, and corrective actions.

Delivery

• Meet or exceed customer delivery commitments through strong On‑Time, In‑Full (OTIF) performance.
• Ensure production schedules, material availability, & labor planning support uninterrupted flow.
• Partner with Materials and Production Planning to maintain accurate schedules and prevent shortages or delays.

Cost & Productivity

• Manage conversion costs - direct labor, indirect labor, and overhead - to achieve budgeted profitability.
• Ensure compliance with SAP routings, labor standards, and BOM accuracy.
• Identify and eliminate waste through Lean tools, process improvements, and labor optimization.
• Lead daily hour‑by‑hour performance tracking using MES or visual whiteboard systems to ensure transparency and rapid response.

Daily Management System

• Lead daily Gemba walks to review workstation performance, SOP compliance, and hour‑by‑hour results.
• Conduct tiered accountability meetings to review KPIs, escalate issues, and assign corrective actions.
• Use visual management boards to communicate performance, highlight abnormalities, and reinforce expectations.

Continuous Improvement

• Build a culture of Lean thinking and employee‑driven improvement.
• Engage teams in waste elimination, process optimization, and standardized work improvements.
• Evaluate capital investments, equipment upgrades, and process changes to support long‑term operational success.

People Leadership

• Develop plant leadership through coaching, performance management, and succession planning.
• Promote employee engagement, teamwork, accountability, and respect.
• Partner with HR on staffing, employee relations, talent development, and workforce planning.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Work closely with Quality, Engineering, Supply Chain, and Corporate teams to ensure alignment with customer requirements and strategic business goals.
• Communicate plant performance through KPIs, operational reviews, and visual management systems.

Preferred/Required Education/Skills:

• Bachelor''s degree preferred
• 10+ years in a manufacturing environment
• Demonstrated Lean Manufacturing experience
• Proven ability to build a culture of safety and 5S
• Strong leadership, accountability, and daily management discipline
• Experience developing leaders and succession planning
• Working knowledge of SAP preferred

Competencies

• Safety Orientation
• Quality Orientation
• Lean Thinker
• Team Development
• Driven by Results

All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines